Infant changing pad system

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an infant changing pad system configured for changing the clothes and diapers of an infant and more particularly a changing pad system that includes an activity member held in contact with a changing pad. Optionally, the activity member is held in contact with the changing pad through the use of a base member.

CROSS REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is based on Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 60/537,459, which was filed on Jan. 16, 2004.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an infant changing pad systemconfigured for changing the clothes and diapers of an infant and, moreparticularly, a changing pad system that includes an activity memberheld in contact with a changing pad.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Convenience and safety are two important components when it comes to theuse of infant products. It is known that infants require specialattention during the early stages of life. For example, diapers arechanged numerous times each day, an activity that is typically astressful, unpleasant experience for both the caregiver and the infant.The infant does not understand the benefits of cooperating withcaregiver during the diaper changing, the infant only understands thatthe caregiver's attention has been diverted away from entertaining,which leaves nothing to engage the infant's interest. This causes theinfant to fuss, wriggle, and struggle to roll over during the diaperchanging process. Since the infant has nothing to engage his or herinterest or hands he or she will attempt to engage the caregiver byinserting his or her hands in the way when the diaper is being changed,this limits the caregiver's ability to perform the function of changingthe diaper. Because both of the caregiver's hands are busy changing thediaper, the caregiver is limited in the entertainment he or she canprovide. It is possible for a caregiver to provide the infant with a toyto hold during the changing of the diaper, but usually the infant willthrow the toy on the floor. This provides the caregiver with a dilemma:obtain the discarded toy, which increases the risk of the infant fallingoff the changing pad; or continue to change the infant who will strugglebecause no means of entertainment is provided. Struggling prolongs thediaper changing process and typically creates an unsanitary mess byfurther soiling both the infant and caregiver with the contents of thediaper. Therefore, it is desirous to have an infant changing system thataids the caregiver in lessening the infant's stress by diverting theinfant's attention away from the diaper changing process.

Currently, changing pads or mats do not include means for entertainingan infant during diaper changing. Typically, changing pads or mats arecomposed of a planar cushion. The typical dimensions of the changing padallow for an infant to be laid on the changing pad, and comfortablychange the infant's diaper. The narrow width of the changing pad allowsfor it to be used in numerous locations including a table, a floor, achanging table, or a dresser top. A caregiver will typically use achanging pad because it provides a soft stable surface that is coveredin a waterproof material, making cleanup easy, and often provides ameans of strapping or restricting the infant for safety and stability.It is problematic that during diaper changing the infant is required tolie on his or her back and stare at the ceiling. No means ofentertainment is provided for engaging the infant to help divert his orher attention or hands away from the diaper changing. Therefore, it isdesired to have a changing system that engages the interest of theinfant and diverts his or her attention away from the diaper changingprocess.

Changing stations are of a variety of different construction and designsto aid in changing an infant. Typically, the changing station is anelevated apparatus, such as a table or dresser that possesses a flatsurface that receives and holds the changing pad. A secure fit betweenthe changing pad and apparatus is formed, so that the pad rests securelyon the surface, assuring the infant is safe. Similar to the changingpad, the changing station lacks means for entertaining or engaging theinfant.

Mobiles or activity members are well known in the industry for engaging,entertaining, and soothing an infant. Current mobiles include an armattached through hardware, such as a clamp or other attachment mechanismto a crib, bassinet, swing, car seat, or carrier. The attachmentmechanism causes the mobile to become a semi-permanent feature of thedevice to which it is attached. Most mobiles are stationary objectsattached to a crib or wall through the use of brackets or semi-permanentclamps. Fixed attachments such as this limit the availability of themobile for use with devices other than the specific structure.

There are some mobiles designed to be used with changing pads andtables. One such design includes a clamp mechanism, which allows it tobe attached to the changing table to form a semi-permanent attachment.This limits the mobile to only being used with the changing table. Theclamp mechanism cannot be used on a dresser changing station since thereis no lip or edge to attach the clamp. Since the majority of caregiverstypically employ a dresser or floor as a changing station a clampablemobile or infant engaging arch cannot be used. Another current changingpad mobile found in the industry is designed to be mounted to a wall.The wall mount requires specific hardware, tools, and creating a hole inthe wall, such as drilling or hammering a nail, to use the mobile with achanging pad. Thus, the wall mounted mobiles and clampable mobiles arenot easily transportable. The caregiver is further inconvenienced byhaving to take the infant to the changing table where the mobile islocated rather than changing the infant where they are currentlylocated.

Numerous play mat products are currently on the market that are designedfor entertaining an infant. Typically, these large play mats aredesigned to be used on the floor for entertaining the infant while theinfant is lying on his or her back. The play mat will include anactivity arch that suspends toys above the reclined infant, to therebyengage the infant's attention. The oversized design of the play matsinhibits its use for any purpose other than entertaining an infant whenon the floor. The oversized shape of the play mat inhibits the play matsuse on a changing station, such a table or dresser. In addition, thecurrent play mats are constructed of non-waterproof fabric material,which increases the inconvenience to the caregiver when the play matrequires cleaning.

It is therefore desired to have an infant changing pad system thatincludes the following features: 1) incorporates a changing pad or canbe used with a changing pad; 2) includes an activity arch or mobile withvisual and/or auditory stimulating objects to engage the infant; 3) fitson a changing station, such as a changing table or dresser; 4) can beeasily transported for use in various situations, such as on the floor,on a changing table, on a dresser, or on a table; 5) includes a rotatingarm and/or a pivoting hinge to allow movement of the activity arch ormobile; and, 6) includes an adaptive base that allows it to be used withnumerous changing pad designs.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an infant changing pad systemconfigured for placing an activity member proximal to a changing pad.The changing pad and activity member are designed to ensure that duringthe changing of an infant the activity member engages the interest ofthe infant.

The infant changing pad system includes an activity member configuredfor engaging the interest of the infant during, for example, diaperchanging. The activity member can be of a variety of constructions, solong as toys or objects are suspended above the infant during changingat a distance whereby the infant can see and/or touch the toys. Apreferred activity member has an arch member, which is any member, whichsuspends toys and is located proximal to at least one side of thechanging pad. Available constructions include curved, u-shaped, an arch,a half arch, and combinations thereof. The activity member is preferablyof a rigid or semi-rigid construction.

The infant changing pad system further includes a changing pad. Thechanging pad is configured as a standard changing pad currently used inthe market that can optionally be used on a changing table or dresser.Typically, the changing pad will be constructed of a pliable material,such as foam or fiberfill that is configured with a flat or concave topsurface for placing the infant. The pliable material is preferablycovered with a waterproof material for easy cleanup.

The infant changing pad system is configured with the activity memberheld in contact with a changing pad. Contact of the activity member withthe changing pad is defined as removable attachment or fixed attachment.In an optional configuration the activity member is held in a positionproximal to the changing pad, without contacting the changing pad, butstill ensuring a close proximal position. Contact between the activitymember and changing pad is facilitated through the use of an attachmentmember. The attachment member is designed to connect the activity memberto the changing pad. Available members include snaps, hood and loopattachment, zippers, buckles, buttons, material loops, pivoting hinges,rotating member, and combinations thereof.

The activity member may also be held in contact with the changing padthrough the use of a base member. The base member is configured toattach to the activity member and provide a means through which contactwith a changing pad will occur. The base member can be any deviceconfigured to support the activity member and contact the changing pad,such as a flat planar member, a stand member, feet members, straps, andcombinations thereof.

The present invention of an infant changing pad system incorporates theuse of a changing pad and activity member to assist a parent in changingthe diaper of an infant, by engaging the interest of an infant. Becausethe changing pad system can include an adaptive base the system can beused with numerous changing pads currently on the market. Further, theinvention allows the infant changing pad system to be easily transportedand used in various situations including on changing stations, thefloor, a changing table, a dresser, or a table.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the infant changingpad system with the base member configured as a flat member forcontacting a changing pad;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the infant changing padsystem with a telescoping activity member with dual stand members(feet);

FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are perspective views of an embodiment of the infantchanging pad system with the base member configured as a changing pad;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view demonstrating the rotating action of theattachment member of the changing pad;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the infant changing padsystem with a single stand base member and two attachment members toconnect the base member to the activity arch;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the infant changingsystem with a single base member and a single attachment member toconnect the base member to the activity arch;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the infant changing padsystem with a two stand base members;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views of an embodiment of the infantchanging pad system with the activity member attached to strip members;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the infant changingpad system with a stand-alone activity member configured for contactwith a changing pad;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views of the infant changing system witha bassinet enclosure; and,

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the infant changingpad system with the base member configured as a foldable changing pad.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an infant changing pad system thatincludes an activity member configured to be held in contact with achanging pad. This invention eases the stress of an infant during diaperchanges by engaging the infant's interest. The activity memberentertains an infant, thus diverting the infant's attention and handsaway from the diaper changing process. Such a diversion decreases thedegree of difficulty typically associated with diaper changing. Theinvention includes an activity member designed to entertain an infant,held in contact with a changing pad. Optionally, the activity member isheld in contact with the changing pad through the use of a base member.

Referring now to the specific elements of the infant changing padsystem, drawing FIG. 1 illustrates the apparatus 20 of the invention.The apparatus 20 includes an activity member 22, which includes at leastone arch member 24. Any activity member known in the industry thatengages the interest of an infant can be used. The activity member canbe of a variety of constructions, so long as toys or objects aresuspended above the infant during changing at a distance whereby theinfant can contact the toys, such as seeing or touching. A suitable archmember is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 15. The arch member or members24 are configured to engage the infant's attention and allow the infantto contact or grab the objects attached to the arch member 24. The archmember 24 is a rigid or semi-rigid member configured with opposed ends.Preferably, the arch member 24 is constructed of any material known inthe industry, such as wire, plastic, metal, wood, cloth, andcombinations thereof.

The arch member can be configured in any shape known in the industry,such as a curved or u-shape construction, an arch, a half arch, andcombinations thereof. Further, in one embodiment (FIG. 1) the changingpad system will include two or more arch members 24. Optionally, the twoor more arch members 24 will be removeably attached to each other toform the activity member 22.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2, the activity member 22 isconfigured to be expandable. Optionally, the activity member 22 can beconfigured to be expandable in any embodiment discussed herein. Theexpandable configuration allows the activity member 22 to expand eitherhorizontally or vertically. The expandable arch member 60 configurationallows the activity member 22 to telescope, thus increasing ordecreasing the length of the activity member 22. The expandable featureallows the activity member 22 to be adjusted for use with varying sizedchanging pads and changing stations. The expandable configuration allowsthe activity member 22 to fit over the width of the changing pad 25. Byexpanding horizontal the activity member 22 can be used with varyingsized changing pads, whereby ensuring the activity member 22 is held incontact with the changing pad 25.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 12, the arch member 24 isconfigured as a rigid stand-alone member that is designed to rest in aposition proximal to the opposing sides of a changing pad, with the archmember 24 oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface andchanging pad. The rigid stand-alone member is a freestanding arch memberthat preferably includes two or more arch members 24. The rigidstand-alone member is configured with opposing ends that preferablyinclude a skid resistant material 48, whereby increasing the structuralintegrity of the arch member when it is engaged with a surface to createthe arch perpendicular to the changing pad.

Optionally, a cover member 30 covers the arch member 24, and provides aprotective covering for the arch member 24. The cover member 30 isconstructed of any material known in the industry, such as fabric, clothmaterial, nylon, leather, plastic, foam, and combinations thereof.Optionally, the cover member 30 is constructed of a waterproof material,such as plastic, vinyl, rubber, nylon, and combinations thereof.

The activity member 22 contains visual and/or auditory stimulationobjects (typically infant toys) that engage the attention of an infant.The objects 28 provide entertainment for the infant, and will increasean infant's interest by engaging his or her attention, while divertingthe infant's attention away from the caregiver changing a diaper.Available objects 28 include, but are not limited to, shatterproofmirrors, material pieces, colorful fabrics, balls, toys, musicalfigures, bells, rattles, squeak toys, teethers, and combinationsthereof. Preferably, the objects 28 are removeably attached by any meansknown in the art, such as hook and loop attachment, zippers, snaps,buckles, clips, hooks, magnets, and combinations thereof. Theremovability of the objects 28 allow numerous different combinations ofobjects 28 to be used on the activity member 22. Optionally, the objects28 are fixedly attached to the activity member 22, whereby eliminatingthe infant's ability to separate the objects 28 from the activity member22.

A further element of the infant changing pad system is a changing pad25. The changing pad 25 is configured as a standard changing pad that isused to hold an infant and assist in changing the infant's diaper. Astandard changing pad is defined as any changing pad currently used by acaregiver to assist in changing an infant. For example, measurements forstandard changing pads currently on the market range in size from 16 to18 inches in width and 32 to 34 inches in length. The dimensions of astandard changing pad allows the changing pad to be used on changingtables and dresser tops. The changing tables and dresser tops areconfigured with a top surface that is at least one (1) inch wider than astandard changing pad. The changing pad is typically composed of asingle cushion member 34 with a concave top surface configured forplacement of the infant during diaper changes. Optionally, the singlecushion member 34 can be configured with a flat top cushioned surface.

In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 15, the cushion member 34 canbe composed of first and second foldable portions. Intermediate thefirst and second foldable portion is a connection member used to connectthe first and second portion. Preferably, the connection member is apiece of material or plastic, which enables folding of the cushionmember 34 for convenient storage and transportation. In a furtherembodiment, the foldable portions of the cushion member 34 are pivotallysecured together by any hinge member known in the art.

The preferred single cushion member 34 is a flat planar memberconfigured with a concave top surface. The concave configuration willaid in positioning the infant on his or her back and will limit theinfant's ability to roll over during changing. Optionally, the cushionmember 34 is a flat planar member that further includes side bolsters36. The side bolsters 36 are configured to be removeably attached to thecushion member 34. The side bolsters 36 extend perpendicular away fromthe top surface of the cushion member 34 and aid in positioning theinfant on his or her back while limiting the infant's ability to rollover during changing.

The cushion member 34 and side bolsters 36 are constructed of anypliable material known in the art, such as foam, sponge, plastic, fabricmaterial, fiberfill, or combinations thereof. Preferably covering thepliable material is an outer layer constructed of any suitable materialknown in the art, such as vinyl, cloth, rubber, leather, nylon, plastic,and combinations thereof. Optionally, the covering material will beconstructed of a waterproof material, such as vinyl, rubber, nylon,plastic, and combinations thereof.

The cushion member 34 further includes an optional “memory foam” pillow38. The “memory foam” pillow 38 supports the infant's head and neck, andreduces the likelihood of plagiocephaly, “flat-head syndrome” associatedwith infants. “Flat-head syndrome” occurs because of the soft nature ofthe infant's skull and the increased amount of time an infant spends onhis or her back while sleeping. The weight of the infant's head, overtime, flattens the rear portion of the skull. To lessen the likelihoodof “flat-head syndrome” a “memory foam” pillow is used, which iscomposed of a soft cushioned pillow that is configured for placement ofthe infant's head, it provides support, but is not too rigid so as tocause “flat-head syndrome.” Preferably, the “memory foam” pillow 38 isremoveably attached to the cushion member 34 by any means known in theart, such as snaps, hook and loop attachments, zippers, snap-hooks, andcombinations thereof. Optionally, the “memory foam” pillow 38 can beintegrally attached to the cushion member 34. Preferably, the “memoryfoam” pillow 38 is configured with an outer covering of soft material,such as cloth, vinyl, rubber, plastic, leather, and combinationsthereof. Enclosed within the outer covering is a soft cushion material,such as foam or fiberfill. Optionally, the outer covering will beconstructed of a waterproof material, such as vinyl, rubber, plastic,nylon, and combinations thereof.

Optionally, the cushion member 34 may include a handle member 40. Thehandle member 40 is configured for use in transporting the changingsystem. The handle member can be either fixedly or removeably attachedto the base member 26 or changing pad 25.

In an optional embodiment the changing pad can include restrainingdevices, such as straps of material for use in limiting the infant'smobility during diaper changes.

The infant changing pad system is configured to place the activitymember 22 in contact with the changing pad 25. Contact of the activitymember 22 with the changing pad 25 include the arch member beingremoveably attached to the changing pad, fixedly attached to thechanging pad, in a proximal position to the changing pad, andcombinations thereof. To facilitate the contact between the activitymember 22 and the changing pad 25, the changing pad system canoptionally include a base member 26. The base member 26 provides a meansfor supporting the activity member 22 and for facilitating a proximalrelationship or contact between the activity member 22 and the changingpad 25, whereby allowing the changing system to be used on a changingstation, dresser top, the floor, or any place an infant's diaper ischanged.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 the arch member 24and changing pad 25 are held in contact so that the arch issubstantially perpendicular to the base member. Preferably, the archmember 24 is configured to contact the changing pad through the use ofan attachment member 44. The attachment members 44 will be any meansknown in the art for securing attachment, such as hooks, snaps, buttons,clips, buckles, hook and loop attachment, zippers, safety pins, materialloops, ties, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the arch member 24 isremoveably attached to the changing pad. For example, the arch membercan be hooked to the changing pad.

Optionally, the arch member 24 is fixedly attached to the changing pad25, with the fixed attachment preferably including means by which thearch can be rotated between a position perpendicular to the changing padand parallel with the changing pad. The arch member 24 is configured torise above the changing pad in a perpendicular orientation, andsimilarly above the infant who has been laid on the changing pad.Therefore, the arch member 24 with stimulating objects 28 is oriented insuch a position to engage the attention of the infant while the diaperis changed.

In the one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1, the base member 26 is astand-alone flat member 32 that is substantially planar with a definedouter edge. The changing pad 25 engages the flat member 32 and activitymember 22 by contacting the base member with the changing pad 25 so thatthe changing pad rests on the flat member 32, with the activity member22 substantially perpendicular to the changing pad 25. Preferably, theflat member 32 will include attachment members 44 for attaching to theactivity member 22. The flat member 32 is configured with dimensionssimilar to or slightly larger than a changing pad, which allows the flatmember 32 to lie under the changing pad while the activity member 22 isattached to the flat member 32. The material can be rigid or flexibledependent upon the arch and attachment. The flat member 32 is configuredto engage a changing pad by forming a base on which the changing padwill rest. Optionally, the flat member 32 will have dimensions thatinclude a width the same as or slightly larger than a standard changingpad's width. The flat member 32 configuration allows the changing systemto fit on a typical changing station, such as a changing table ordresser. The flat member 32 will be configured in the shape of arectangle, square, circle, spherical, oblong, or any shape known in theart that allows it to be used with a changing pad. Optionally, the flatmember 32 will include material that is raised to form an outer raisededge on the outer edge of the flat member 32. The flat member 32 iscomposed of any material known in the art, such as fabric, clothmaterial, nylon, vinyl, leather, plastic, metal, rubber, wire, andcombinations thereof. Optionally, the material is a waterproof material.The composition of the flat member 32 optionally allows it to easily becollapsed/folded. This in conjunction with the collapsibility of theother elements of the infant changing pad system, increases the ease ofstorage or transportation of the embodiment.

The arch member can be configured as a solitary arch with the base andarch engaged such that the arch is suspended in the upright position bythe base. Conversely, in an optional embodiment, the arch members may beused whereby the arches are attached at the base to support one another.Such a configuration does not require the base to support the arch inthe upright position only that the base and arches be received by oneanother.

In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 the base member 26can be configured as a material strip or strips 82, such as webbingstraps. The strips 82 are configured to contact the activity member 22whereby forming the base member. The strips provide a means of placingthe activity member 22 in contact with the changing pad 25. In thepreferred embodiment the strips are configured as two pairs of parallelstrips attached to each other to form a rectangular base, illustrated inFIG. 11. In an optional embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 10, the basemember 26 is configured with at least two strips that are configured ina crisscross design, whereby attaching to the activity members 22.Optionally, the strips 82 can be any design that allows the strips toform the base member 26 and connect to the activity member 22.Preferably, the strips are constructed of any material known in the art,such as fabric, cloth material, rubber, plastic, wire, nylon, vinyl,leather, and combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the base member 26 will be configured as anexpandable flat member. The expandable flat member is substantiallyplanar with a defined outer edge that includes numerous attachmentmembers to allow the activity member 22 or other current activitymembers on the market to be attached to the expandable flat member. Theexpandable flat member is configured to provide a means of attaching theexpandable flat member to current activity arches on the market tocreate either an infant changing pad system or an infant entertainmentarea. Dependent on where the activity member 22 is attached to theexpandable flat member the area of use by the infant will vary. Use ofthe expandable flat member allows the area to be increased or decreaseddependent on the infant's activity.

In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 the base member 26is composed of at least one stand member 42. The stand member 42 isconfigured as a base which provides a means to support the activitymember 22 and is a means for placing the activity member 22 in contactwith the changing pad 25. The stand member 42 can be composed of anyrigid material known in the industry, such as metal, hard plastic, wood,and combinations thereof. Preferably, the base member 26 will be asingle stand member 42 configured with at least two attachment members44 to connect the activity member 22 to the single stand member 42.Optionally, the single stand member 42 will be configured with a singleattachment member 44 for supporting the activity member 22. The standmember is configured to be placed in contact with the changing pad 25.Preferably, the stand member 42 includes an outside surface configuredto engage an opposing surface. The engaging member 48 is configured tostabilize the changing pad system and reduce the likelihood that thestand member 42 will slip or slide when placed on a surface. Theengaging member 48 is composed of any material known in the industrythat reduces slippage, such as suction cups, rubber, reusable tape,foam, leather, and combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 9, the changing padsystem will include two stand members 50. The two stand members 50 areconfigured as two “feet” members for supporting the activity member 22.The feet members are configured to allow the activity member 22 to beused with a changing pad while the changing pad is resting on a dresseror changing table. The two stand members 50 will engage the oppositeends of the activity member 22 to create the support means required forthe infant changing pad system. Additionally, the stand members 50 areconfigured as a means of creating contact between the changing pad 25and the activity arch 22. The stand member 50 is designed to contact theside of a changing pad, further allowing the changing pad system to beused in conjunction with a changing pad on a changing table, dresser,table, floor, or any changing surface. In an optional configuration, thestand member 50 is designed to be placed in a position proximal to thechanging pad 25.

The base member 26 further includes attachment members 44. Theattachment members 44 are a means for securely fastening the activitymember 22 to the base member 26 or stand member. The attachment members44 will optionally include receiving members to allow attachment of theactivity member 22 to the base member 26. The attachment members 44 arelocated on the base member 26, the activity member 22, or both.Preferably, the attachment members 44 are any method known in the art,such as snaps, buckles, hooks, brackets, clips, hook and loopattachment, zippers, safety pins, material loops, material slits, ties,and combinations thereof. Preferably, the base member 44 will includefour (4) attachment members 44. In optional embodiments the base member26 will include at least one attachment member 44.

In another embodiment the base member 26 will be configured to includeslits or opening holes in the material. Preferably, the slits will besubstantially located at the four corners of the base member 26. Theslits engage the activity member 22 by receiving the ends of theactivity member 22. Optionally, the activity member 22 will includeattachment members 44 for engaging the slits. In an optional embodimentthe base member 26 will be configured as a single member with built inattachment members.

Optionally, the attachment member 44 further includes at least onepivoting hinge 52. The pivoting hinge 52 allows movement of the activitymember 22 relative to the base member 26, such as anupright/perpendicular position from the base member 26, a down/parallelposition from the base member 26, or any positional degree fromperpendicular to parallel. The movement of the activity member 22facilitates the use of numerous activities associated with the activitymember, which include, but are not limited to, while the infant is beingchanged (activity member 22 in the upright position) or when the infantis participating in “tummy-time” (activity member 22 in the downposition). Also, the pivotal action of the attachment member 44 allowsthe activity member 22 to be lowered to a parallel position to aid inplacing the infant on the base member 26 (changing pad) and then raisedto a perpendicular position to help distract the infant during changing.The pivoting action of the attachment member 44 increases the overallusefulness of the activity member 22 by allowing it to be positioned invarious positional degrees to aid in engaging the infant, and assist instorage and transportation. The infant receives benefits from beingengaged by the activity member 22, which include, but are not limitedto, distracting the infant during diaper changes, and aiding theinfant's development of motor skills. By using the activity member 22along the pivotal continuum, the infant's motor skills includingstrength and coordination, along with his or her hand and eyecoordination develop through the infant's attempts at grabbing theentertainment objects. Additionally, the adjustable action through theuse of the pivoting hinge 52 assists transportation and storage bylowering the activity member 22 to a parallel plane in relationship tothe base member 26.

Optionally, the attachment member 44 includes a rotating member 54. Therotating member 54 allows movement of the arch member 22 in a clockwiseor counter clockwise rotation about the axis of the arch member.Typically, the rotating member will be incorporated into the attachmentmember 44, which will allow the activity member to be rotated to adesired position.

In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 the infantchanging pad system includes an infant bassinet 70. The bassinet isconfigured with a bassinet base member 72 and a plurality of sidemembers 74. Preferably, the plurality of side members includes sidemembers 74, 76, 78, and 80 perpendicular to the bassinet base member 72.The bassinet base member 72 can be configured in any shape but istypically a rectangular configuration. Optionally, the bassinet basemember 72 can be configured in an oval shape with a single perpendicularoval-shaped side member 82. Preferably, the side members are integrallyattached to each other, and are attached integrally in a perpendicularorientation to the outside edge of the bassinet base member 72, wherebyextend sufficiently high to prevent an infant from rolling out of thebassinet 70. The resultant configuration is a box structure with abassinet base member 72 and side member. The configuration of thebassinet base member 72 and side members creates a secure environmentfor the infant. The bassinet base member 72 and side members can be madeof any material known in the art, of sufficient strength to prevent aninfant from rolling out of the bassinet, including but not limited toplastic, nylon, rubber, wicker, hard foam, wood, and combinationsthereof. The bassinet base member 72 and side members are composed ofmaterial that provides a secure environment while the infant is withinthe apparatus 20. The bassinet is further designed to engage thechanging pad 25 and activity member 22, by allowing the changing pad torest within the bassinet 70. When the changing pad is placed within thebassinet 70 the side members of the bassinet 70 extend perpendicularaway from the surface of the changing pad, whereby creating a secureenvironment for the infant.

The bassinet 70 further includes optional handles 84. The handles 84 areintegrally attached to the bassinet side members. Optionally, thehandles 84 are removably attached by any means known in the art, such assnap attachment, hook and loop, zippers, buttons, and combinationsthereof. The handles 84 are typically configured to assist in thetransportation of the apparatus. Optionally, transportation of thebassinet through use of the handles 84 can occur while the infant is inthe bassinet 70.

The bassinet 70 further includes pockets for optional storage space. Thepockets are integrally attached to the bassinet base member 72 andbassinet side members. Optionally, the storage pockets are located onthe exterior sides of the bassinet base member 72 and bassinet sidemembers. The pockets are typically composed, but not limited to, thesame material as the soft cushioned coating, such as fabric, rubber,nylon, plastic, leather, cloth, and combinations thereof. The pocketsfunction for holding and making readily available for use the infant'spersonal belongings, such as bottles, diapers, clothes, toys, andcombinations thereof.

The bassinet 70 further includes straps 86, for attaching the apparatusto a support, such as a piece of furniture. Preferably, the straps 86are located on the bassinet side members. A further embodiment ofbassinet 70 includes straps removably attached to the bassinet basemember 72 and straps 86 removably attached to the bassinet side members.Preferably, the straps are removably attached by any means known in theart, such as hook and loop attachments, snaps, buttons, zippers,buckles, and combinations thereof, so that the straps can be removedfrom the bassinet during transportation or storage. The straps aretypically configured to be adjustable, so the bassinet 70 can be securedto a piece of furniture, such as a chair. The bassinet 70 securelyattaches to the chair by wrapping the straps around the seat and/or backof the chair and then securely tightening the straps until the apparatushas formed a secure connection with the chair. The secure attachment ofthe bassinet to the chair provides a safe environment for the infant.

Optionally, the bassinet 70 may be attached to a stand mechanism that isdesigned to elevate the bassinet off the floor. Preferably, the bassinetis removeably attached to the stand mechanism, but may be optionallyconfigured to be fixedly attached. The stand is constructed of materialknown in the art, such as plastic, wood, metal, wire, and combinationsthereof.

Thus, there has been shown and described a changing system that fulfillsall objects and advantages sought therefore. The inventionillustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absenceof any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. It isapparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes,variations, modifications, other uses, and applications to the changingsystem are possible, and also such changes, variations, modifications,other uses, and applications which do not depart from the sprit andscope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention, whichis limited only by the claims which follow.

1. An infant changing system comprising: (a) a changing pad; and, (b) atleast one activity member held in contact with the changing pad.
 2. Thechanging system of claim 1, wherein the changing pad and the activitymember are held in contact with one another by an attachment member. 3.The changing system of claim 2, wherein the attachment member isselected from the group consisting of a snap, hook and loop attachment,zipper, buckle, button, material loops, pivoting hinges, rotatingmembers, and combinations thereof.
 4. The changing system of claim 1,wherein the contact of the activity member with the changing pad areselected from the group consisting of removeably attached, fixedlyattached, in a position proximal to the changing pad, and combinationsthereof.
 5. The changing system of claim 1, wherein the activity memberis configured in the shape selected from the group consisting of anarch, a half arch, a curved or u-shaped member, and combinationsthereof.
 6. The changing system of claim 1, wherein the activity memberis composed of material selected from the group consisting of plastic,metal, wire, wood, and combinations thereof.
 7. The changing system ofclaim 1, wherein the changing pad is a cushion member with a top surfacethat is concave in shape.
 8. The changing system of claim 1, wherein theactivity member and changing pad are held in contact through the meansof a base member.
 9. The changing system of claim 1, wherein the basemember is selected from the group consisting of a flat planar member, astand member, feet members, straps, and combinations thereof.
 10. Aninfant changing system comprising: (a) a base member; and, (b) at leastone activity member attached to the base member.
 11. The changing systemof claim 10, wherein the base member and activity member are attached byan attachment member.
 12. The changing system of claim 11, wherein theattachment member is selected from the group consisting of a snap, hookand loop attachment, zipper, buckle, button, material loops, pivotinghinges, rotating members, and combinations thereof.
 13. The changingsystem of claim 10, wherein the base member and activity member are heldin contact with a changing pad.
 14. The changing system of claim 11,wherein contact between the base member and activity member with thechanging pad is fixedly attached, removeably attached, in a positionproximal, and combinations thereof.
 15. The changing system of claim 10,wherein the activity member is composed of material selected from thegroup consisting of plastic, metal, wire, wood, and combinationsthereof.
 16. The changing system of claim 10, wherein the base member isselected from the group consisting of a flat planar member, a standmember, feet members, straps, and combinations thereof.
 17. An infantchanging system comprising: (a) a changing pad; (b) a base member; and(c) at least one activity member held in contact with the changing pad.18. The changing system of claim 17, further including an attachmentmember for attaching the base member to the activity member.
 19. Thechanging system of claim 18, wherein the attachment member is selectedfrom the group consisting of snap, hook and loop attachment, zipper,buckle, button, material loops, pivoting hinges, rotating members, andcombinations thereof.
 20. The changing system of claim 17, wherein thebase member and activity member are attached to one another and held incontact with the changing pad.
 21. The changing system of claim 17,wherein the contact between the base member and activity member with thechanging pad is selected from the group consisting of actual contact, ina position proximal, and combinations thereof.
 22. The changing systemof claim 17, wherein the activity member is composed of materialselected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wire, wood, andcombinations thereof.
 23. The changing system of claim 17, wherein thebase member is selected from the group consisting of a flat planarmember, a stand member, feet members, straps, and combinations thereof.